|
From jazz to Shakespeare, from pottery workshops to whale-watching cruises, from sand sculpture competitions to trumpeter swan festivals... Choose your adventure - and don't forget your camera! |
| July 2008 | ||
| Sat Sat |
3/22- 10/25 |
SaltSpring Island Saturday Market Each Saturday, from March 22, 2008 through the last Saturday in October. From about 8:30 to 3:30, rain or shine. For internationally acclaimed arts and crafts from Canada's "Island of the Arts". For potters, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, and fine decorative arts. For farmstead cheeses, organic foods, music, and free festive fun. |
| Sat Sat |
5/3- 9/27 |
Errington Farmer's Market Now in its 35th year, a visit to the Market is still a great way to spend a summer morning. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods and items created by local crafters as well as coffee and goodies from the coffee shop in a woodsy, friendly atmosphere. There is always music playing, activities for the kids, and lots of conversation with friends and neighbours. Market hours are 10am to 1pm. |
| Sat Sat |
6/7- 7/26 |
Saint Joan 1429 France. Joan of Arc, a charismatic young peasant girl, leads the French to victory over the English, but two short years later she is burned at the stake. Why? Regarded as one of the most riveting and powerful texts in the English language, Shaw's monumental work re-examines Joan's dramatic rise and fall in light of the nationalism, political corruption, religious intolerance and hero worship that caused not only World War I, but that also challenges our world today. Chemainus Theatre, Chemainus. |
| Tue Tue |
6/17- 10/7 |
Market In The Meadow Market In The Meadow - fresh, local foods - Tuesdays 11am to 3pm - Hereford Ave at the United Church Meadow, Saltspring Island. |
| Sat Tue |
6/28- 7/1 |
Pacific Rim Summer Festival A festival of music, dance and the arts presented in the spectacular setting of Vancouver Island. Various Venues - Tofino. |
| Sat Sat |
6/28- 8/30 |
Fireworks at The Gardens Enjoy superb fireworks in The Garden's maginificent setting. Every summer Saturday night these lavish shows dazzle visitors with their unique blend of spectacle and music. After the show you will enjoy a recital from the rare Aeolian Pipe Organ situated in the loft of the Organ Pavilion. Live performances are played on this wonderful old organ for a half hour following each Fireworks show. In Waterwheel Square you'll find some live toe-tapping acoustic guitar music. |
| Sun Sun |
6/29- 7/6 |
Victoria Pride Parade & Festival This festival features an array of colourful activities geared to gay and lesbians including a golf tournament, Inner Harbour boat cruise, art show, drag ball game and pride parade among many other events. Info 483-6846 |
| Tue | 7/1 | Gorge Canada Day Picnic Come out and celebrate Canada Day! Pancake breakfast, parade, stage entertainment, classic cars, kids’ activities, street hockey, Strawberry Tea, market, & more. Gorge Waterway 8:30am - 4:00pm |
| Tue | 7/1 | Sooke Canada Day Celebration Come help us celebrate at the annual Canada Day Celebration! Live bands performing, food vendors with all types of food, pie eating contest and other games for kids and adults. Parade starts off the day, and a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.Sooke Flats Campground 12:00pm - 1:00pm. |
| Tue Sat |
7/1- 7/5 |
International Choral Kathaumixw The XII International Choral Kathaumixw is a global gathering of choirs and conductors, featuring international concerts, choral and vocal solo competitions, common song singing, conductors round tables, concert tours, social events, workshops, and seminars. The festival is "a gathering together of different peoples", held in the picturesque seaside town of Powell River, British Columbia. Festival Week: July 1-5, 2008, Kathaumixw Tour Week: July 7-11, 2008. Contact: Tel: (604) 485-9633, Email: info@kathaumixw.org, www.kathaumixw.org |
| Tue | 7/1 | Canada Day Victoria comes alive on Canada's birthday with fun runs, street performers, artisans and a freworks display. Victoria Inner Harbour, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse. Info: 478-5849 |
| Tue | 7/1 | Canada Day Lamb Barbeque This event brings the community of Saturna Island as well as visitors together to celebrate Canada Day. A delicious lamb BBQ with all the fixings, contests such as nail hammering and sack races, bingo games and a Canada Day ceremony are just some of the activities. There are also snack booths, craft sales and a beer garden. Saturna Island Ball Field, Winter Cove Marine Park, Saturna Island. |
| Tue | 7/1 | Canada Day Party Join in celebrating Canada's birthday at our annual Canada Day Party. Community parade, birthday cake, antique car show in Centennial Park. Fantastic Fireworks display at dusk on Ganges Harbour. |
| Tue | 7/1 | Courtenay Canada Day Celebrations Come see the Grande Parade in downtown Courtenay. Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. and goes down 5th Street. 10:30am downtown. |
| Fri Sun |
7/4- 7/6 |
Building Momentum: ArtsFair 2008 Under one umbrella, attendees will have the opportunity to see the wide range of cultural products and activities that Nanaimo has to offer. Covering all arts disciplines, ArtsFair 2008 is sure to appeal to a broad audience spanning all ages. The primary goal of this event is to stimulate interest and awareness of the arts community in our area. Harbourfront Plaza, Commercial St, Nanaimo. |
| Fri Sun |
7/4- 7/6 |
Festival Mexicano 2008 Come downtown and celebrate Mexican/Latin American culture during this fun event featuring an open air main stage with local performers sharing traditional music and dance; kiosks showcasing Mexican/Latin American food and beverages; arts and crafts. Victoria Event Centre and other downtown locations. |
| Sat Fri |
7/5- 7/11 |
Gorge on Art 11 - 4pm; Walk the Gorge Waterway and 'gorge' yourself on art, from more than 50 artists/artisans for viewing and purchase. Enjoy musical performances. Food kiosks available to offer tasty treats for all ages. |
| Sat | 7/5 | Celtic Dance and Music Celtic Dance and Music spectacular - this event is part of the ScotDance Canada Championships. Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St. Info 1-866-301-2358 |
| Sat | 7/5 | Gorge on Art Walk the Gorge Waterway and discover a selection of art from more than 50 artists and artisans for viewing and purchase. Musicians play, food kiosks offer treats. Free Admission. Gorge Waterway Park, Tillicum and Gorge Roads, 11am to 4pm. Info: 475-7124 |
| Sat Sun |
7/5- 7/6 |
Organic Islands Festival The Organic Islands Festival and Sustainability Expo is a community-based event and is Canada's largest outdoor ‘green’ festival at Glendale Garden and Woodland in Victoria, BC. Over 100 Exhibits, Interactive Displays, Presentations, Natural Food Demos, Entertainment. www.organicislands.ca |
| Sun | 7/6 | Salt Spring Lavender Festival 6th Annual Salt Spring Lavender Festival July 6th 2008 10am to 5pm. At Sacred Mountain Lavender, 401 Musgrave Road, Salt Spring Island. Cut your own lavender, taste cooking with lavender, Scottish Dancing Exhibition and more. |
| Sun | 7/6 | Saanich Strawberry Festival The Annual Saanich Strawberry Festival celebrates 42 successful years of community involvement and support. Activities will include a petting farm, information displays, face painting, program demonstrations, pony rides, relay races, arts & craft stations, a pie eating contest, bouncy castles and much more. Bring a blanket and enjoy a day at the beach while a variety of performers entertain on the main stage. The afternoon would not be complete without the traditional serving of strawberries and ice cream at 2:00 pm for only 50 cents. |
| Wed Sat |
7/9- 7/12 |
SKA Festival Enjoy a music and visual arts festival that celebrates Ska music and culture as well as educating the public about the genre and its history. The SKA Festival features acts that cross musical boundaries and generation gaps alike. Victoria Curling Club, 1952 Quadra St., Victoria. |
| Wed Sat |
7/9- 8/30 |
Treasure Tales! Featuring How I Became A Pirate* Adapted by Alyn Cardarelli, Lyrics by Alyn Cardarelli and Music by Steve Goers The Pirate Princess adapted for stage by Mark DuMez. Dig for gold, brave the high seas, and swash buckle through this treasure of thrilling tales. A buried collection of silly, surprising and secret stories where X marks the spot - closer than you might think! Chemainus Theatre, Chemainus. |
| Fri Sat |
7/11- 7/12 |
Tall Ships - Port Alberni 2008 Celebrate Sailing, History and Adventure on Port Alberni's Waterfront. |
| Fri Sun |
7/11- 7/13 |
Vancouver Island MusicFest 2008 We offer over 200 musical performers on 6 fully programmed stages as well as instructional workshops, yoga sessions, an interactive kidzzone, art displays, a beer and cider tent, top-notch food and craft vendors, non-profit information displays, on-site camping and a magical riverside venue at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. 2008 Performers inlcude The Weakerthans, Taj Mahal, Earl Scruggs, The Jerry Douglas Band, Dala, Baka Beyond, Elliot Brood and much much moreKids stuff, workshops, riverside camping and so much more. |
| Sat Sun |
7/12- 7/20 |
Music By The Sea Music by the Sea — International Festival at Bamfield, BC - features 9 concerts and a partnership with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. An eleven-day performance-residency for Canadian and International artists. Concerts feature a range of music, from classical chamber through to sophisticated jazz and alternative, bringing together some of BC’s top artists with national and international musicians. The Huu-ah-aht First Nation launch the Festival with a Welcoming Ceremony and Seafood Feast July 12th, 2008. |
| Sat | 7/12 | Whiskey Creek Music Festival This Music Festival features top Tribute Artists known throughout North America for their spectacular performances. This year's Festival includes tributes to Elvis Presley, Faith Hill, Billy Joel, Johnny Cash and many more! Willy and the Poor Boys paying tribute to CCR will rap up the day. This 13 hour musical extravaganza is $20 for the entire day with children 12 and under free. Admission is by advanced ticket purchase or at the gate on the day of the event. Gate opens at 10am. Overnight camping on Saturday is free with admission. Camping before and after the event is by donation. All you need to bring is a lawn chair and a desire to be entertained. Dancing not required but the need to boogie will hit you. Coombs Rodeo Grounds - 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. |
| Sat | 7/12 | 2008 National Historica Fair in Victoria This July, 165 students selected from among the 275,000 students from more than 1,000 communities from across Canada will gather in Victoria for a week-long history camp. Over the course of the week they will visit local and cultural sites as well as take in several events related to BC150. The week will culminate with a one-day exhibition, when these young storytellers from across Canada will proudly share their outstanding history projects with the general public and each other. July 12, from 10 am - 4 pm Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. Admission Free |
| Sat Sat |
7/12- 7/26 |
Sandown Park Horse Racing Festival Annual Standardbred (Harness) Horse Racing Festival at Sandown Park, Glamorgan Road, Sidney. Entertainment for everyone. Children's Activites, Fashion Shows, Competitions, Music, Food and Fun. Great Prizes in Fashion Competition. One lucky patron will win $1000 in travel. Events & Horse Racing starts 1:00pm each day. RATED "E" FOR EVERYONE. |
| Sun | 7/13 | Visions Art Studio Tour 2008 Twenty-four artist studios will open their doors and invite you in for ten days of extraordinary showings this summer. This self-guided, free tour will cover all parts of the Cowichan Valley, taking you to visit painters, sculptors, potters, photographers, jewellery makers, fabric designers, weavers, and others. |
| Fri Sun |
7/18- 7/20 |
Port Hardy Filomi Days The three syllables, Fi, Lo and Mi, stand for "Fishing, Logging and Mining". The celebration includes festivities in the park such as activities for children, fundraising concessions, entertainment, beer gardens, a dunk-tank, balloons, bake sales, craft sales, and fireworks. A dance for each age group and a parade are also held on Filomi Days weekend- typically the 3rd weekend in July. |
| Sat | 7/19 | Nanaimo ALS Adventure Challenge The ALS Adventure Challenge is your chance to tackle a new adventure while raising funds for people suffering from ALS, a devastating neurological illness. The ALS Adventure Challenge is designed to guide people of all ages and fitness levels to complete a 17km adventure race (run, bike, kayak). We'll provide you with a training program and offer all the support you need to reach your goals. Once the training is complete and you're ready to race, you’ll receive free entry into the ALS Adventure Challenge Race. Race Check-in: 8:00am - Race Start: 9:00am - Location: Westwood Lake, Nanaimo. For more info: www.alsadventure.com |
| Sat Sun |
7/19- 7/20 |
International Kite Festival Two days of kite fun. FREE! See gorgeous art kites, big and small. Watch displays of stunt kite skill, individual and team flying. Root for your favorites in the kite battles. Let the kids build their own kites in the kids' kitebuilding tent. The kids will love the Teddy Bear drop--parachuting bears that the kids get to keep. Talk to the kite fliers and builders. Learn their secrets. Sample the goodies from the vendors. Buy your own kite from the kite shop. Remember how it was when you were a kid, and grandpa helped you build your first kite. Parksville Community Park. |
| Sat | 7/19 | Moss Street Paint-In 12 to 4pm; Moss Street Paint-In - this is the big one. A hundred invited artists take up positions on Moss Street between the Art Gallery and the ocean, for an afternoon of public show'n'tell. The street is closed and thousands of citizens make the stroll. |
| Sat | 7/19 | Urban Beatz Fundraiser for Victoria Teen at Vlounge All proceeds fr Alex, a 15 year-old boy with brain tumours Saturday July 19th, 2008 8pm-11:30pm Tickets $25 advance, $30 at the door Presented by Akai hair design. Hair and fashion show, live auction, West Africain dance crew “Etoile D'Afrique and B-Boycrew “Float Committee” from New York City. Tickets can be purchased at Akai hair & esthetics, Platinum Lounge, and Vlounge. |
| Sat Sun |
7/19- 7/20 |
Metchosin Sheepdog Trial Once again, we are looking forward to welcoming top national and international working sheepdogs and their handlers to the 16th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial, which is held in Metchosin at the south-western tip of Vancouver Island. The trial site is renowned for its scenic vistas and pastoral beauty. This has now become one of the most popular trials in the Pacific Northwest Bring a folding chair and a sweater in case of Metchosin Winds. Concessions available on site. |
| Sun | 7/20 | Sandfest: Family Fun Day 11:00 am - 3:00 pm - Cadboro Bay - Gyro Park. Free Admission Enjoy an afternoon at picturesque Gyro Park as professional sand sculptor Fred Dobbs completes a giant sand sculpture. Hands on activities, bouncy castles food and fun for the entire family. Event information: 475–5558. |
| Sun | 7/20 | Silly Boat Regatta Silly Boat Regatta is becoming one of the most talked about community events on Vancouver Island. Teams have 4 hours to build "SILLY BOATS" on-site and then race them at Swy-A-Lana Park, Nanaimo. |
| Thu Sun |
7/24- 7/27 |
Nanaimo Marine Festival & Bathtub Races The Marine Festival encompasses many different family and adult events from Kiddies Karnival, Beer Gardens, Sail Past Parade, Vancouver Islands' biggest summertime Fireworks display, Street Fair… and much more. Maffeo Sutton Park 50 Arena Street, Nanaimo |
| Fri Sun |
7/25- 7/27 |
Artopia 2008 - Festival of the Arts Sointula Arts Society presents Artopia Summer Arts Festival on Malcolm Island, featuring special exhibits, market booths, studio tours, demonstrations, workshops, food, parade, entertainment. Opening night Terry Lindstrom on guitar. Ken Hamm Concert Saturday, July 26th 7pm. Open Stage Saturday & Sunday. |
| Fri Sun |
7/25- 7/27 |
Islands Folk Festival Gather your family together to celebrate the 23rd Islands Folk Festival, with unforgettable non-stop music from many Canadian and International musicians on seven stages all within a short and pleasant walk through the pastoral surroundings of Providence Farm, just outside of Duncan. Discover musical families, celebrate the passing down of traditions of music you haven’t heard before, the independent music you search for that is brand new and exciting, and the constant evolving folk tradition… |
| Sat | 7/26 | Luminara Victoria The Luminara Victoria community Lantern Festival draws 15 – 20,000 people annually. Food, glow sticks and small lanterns are available at the St. Ann’s Academy grounds in the early part of the evening, starting around 5:00pm. Face painting and lantern making for small children are available at the St. Ann’s site. Many families bring a picnic dinner to the park. The public are encouraged to make and bring their own lanterns to the park. The more lanterns, the more beautiful the event becomes. Pet owners are strongly advised to leave their pets at home. |
| Sat | 7/26 | Xtreme3 Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race A Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race is a one day event aimed at challenging the bodies and minds of adventure enthusiasts. Test your limits on a scenic 40 – 50 km of mountain biking, navigation, trail running, kayaking and mystery challenges. Race solo, or in a team of 2 or 4. MOMAR after-parties are legendary – well deserved celebrations after a gruelling race day! Come out to race or volunteer and experience a weekend to remember for years to come. For more info: www.mindovermountain.com |
| Sat Mon |
7/26- 8/4 |
Stinking Fish Studio Tour Twenty-six artists in Metchosin and East Sooke open their studios in the coastal area of Vancouver Island, just west of Victoria, BC and offer a rich artistic diversity featuring painting, fine porcelain, printmaking and mosaic; the sculptural beauty expressed in wood, metal and jewellery, as well as floral, textile and photographic works. |